The Great Henry Hopendower

Author: Roberts, Justin

Number Of Pages: 32

Details:

For fans of Grandpa Green, a young boy remembers his much-loved grandpa in this touching story about family, memory and everyday magic. Henry wakes up one bright morning ready to take on the day and find magic! After all, he is the Great Henry Hopendower—an aspiring young magician who learned everything he knows from the very best, his grandpa. Henry has so many favorite memories of his grandfather, including his house with its wobbly cuckoo clock and his famous leaning tower of pancakes that tipped but never toppled. And then there was the day his grandpa gave him a red checkered suit and shared the secret to being a magician: magic is everywhere, you just have to see it. So with Grandpa’s words as his guide, Henry sets off to do the truly impossible. This heartwarming story is a celebration of the magic that surrounds us all and the people we love most. From School Library Journal K-Gr 2—A young aspiring magician reflects upon lessons learned from his grandfather. Henry puts on a red checked suit, grabs a vintage brown leather suitcase, and heads to the backyard to assemble an audience of stuffed animals and curious squirrels. As the tousled-haired, freckle-faced boy prepares for his magic show, he reminisces about time spent with his beloved mentor. Henry fondly remembers his grandpa's outstanding coin tricks, the smell of his "magic-scented water" aftershave, and his tasty, gravity-defying "leaning tower of pancakes." When his own attempt at magic flops, he finds solace and creative inspiration in Grandpa's sage advice: "To be a magician, you have to notice that magic is everywhere." In Hocking's watercolor, graphite, and colored pencil illustrations, Henry's recollections appear in sepia tones, capturing the warm, loving intergenerational relationship. In a particularly moving scene, the little boy and his mother, holding hands, stand in Grandpa's empty house. VERDICT Probably best shared one-one-one, but Henry's resilience could spark a discussion about loss and keeping memories alive.—Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ont.

Reviews:

Praise for The Great Henry Hopendower:

“Even more enchanting than Henry’s magic is Roberts’ gentle way of addressing how Henry handles the loss of his grandfather.”

— BCCB

“[A] sensitive, sweet story about a little boy and his grandfather.”

— Booklist 

About the Author:

Justin Roberts is a Grammy-nominated all-star of the family music scene and the author of The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade. Hailed by the New York Times as “the Judy Blume of kiddie rock,” he logs thousands of miles on the road each year, dishing out unexpectedly intelligent and fun rocking music for kids and their parents. Justin lives in Chicago.   Deborah Hocking is an illustrator who lives in Portland, Oregon. For six years, she worked as a cook and gardener at a château in France, but now she has the incredible privilege of spending her days drawing for children, chasing magic. She is the illustrator of the nonfiction picture book Build, Beaver, Build! Life at the Longest Beaver Dam. The Great Henry Hopendower is her second picture book....

EAN: 9780399257445

Release Date: 06-06-2017

Languages: English

Item Condition: New

Binding: Hardcover